Time to Think

What would you do if you had access to world-class laboratories and scientists, and almost one day a week to investigate a new idea?

Dream Day: 15 Per Cent Time

A core belief of 3M is that creativity needs freedom. That’s why, since about 1948, we’ve encouraged our employees to spend 15% of their working time on their own projects. To take our resources, to build up a unique team and to follow their own insights in pursuit of problem-solving.

Turning Initiative into Innovation

If there’s a secret ingredient to 3M’s more than 100 years of innovation, it’s this: give talented people the time and resources to prove the worth of their ideas and, in the long run, you’ll come out well ahead. Even if those talented people are mistaken, you’ve learned something.

“Management that is destructively critical when mistakes are made kills initiative. And it’s essential that we have many people with initiative, if we are to continue to grow.”

- William L. McKnight

Former President and Chairman of the Board, 3M

Time + Funds = Genesis Grants

Twice a year, six to eight of the most interesting ideas floating around 3M can receive Genesis Grants: about USD 30,000 to USD 75,000 of seed money for 12 months of research. All told, that’s USD 750,000 given out per year to explore ideas that don’t have the official financial backing of a business unit.

Inspiring Today’s Giants

15 Per Cent Time might just be an innovative idea itself. For years, 3M has been an innovation powerhouse with its unique approach to building a culture driven by the creative exchange of new ideas. Now, some of today’s mightiest innovators have adopted similar practices into their own company cultures, taking lessons from 3M’s pioneering approach.

We love seeing that: we believe freedom to explore is critical to developing new ideas and solving problems that will make a difference for everyone.

The Rewards of Initiative

Here are three classic 3M innovations that were born or developed through 15 Per Cent Time.

Post-it® Notes

3M scientist Art Fry used his 15 Per Cent Time in collaboration with other 3M innovators to create the perfect bookmark for his church hymnal.

3M™ Trizact™ Abrasive

Self-resharpening abrasives that work like new for longer.

3M Display Film

New ways to bend and shape light affect everything from HDTVs to home lighting.